Most common 1998 GMC Suburban problems
Share of the 100 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Suburban complaints by model year
Best Suburban years: 2001, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 1999, 1995, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
1998 GMC Suburban recalls (2)
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
What 1998 GMC Suburban owners say
Brakes all 29 →
I have a 1998 GMC Suburban just purchased and I experienced the same problem described in recall #05V379000. Result was my wife slammed into the back of another car in our driveway. Damage was minimal but I sure don't want her driving this vehicle until it is fixed! I called GM and they said this year (1998) is not effected! Yeah, right!
While applying the brake pedal the brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. This information was provided helen's boy friend erick wunk. Front passenger brake rotor separated from lug bolt hub. Drivers side rotter also ready to separate. GMC recalled this part but not for the serial number of the consumers vehicle. Consumer replaced parts at his own expense. Consumer states that if this incident happened while driving at a high rate of speed he would have loss control of the vehicle.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
I own a 1998 GMC Suburban. The wiper motor on this vehicle is defective. There is a recall (# 03V159000) on the 1997 wiper motors......but not on the 1998 even though the design and wiper motor are the same. During a recent rainstorm the wiper motor become completely unresponsive while driving at highway speed. The motor makes the same "buzzing" sound that GM technicians refer to for other GM vehicle years. Clearly, this is the same issue. I would like to have the recall re-evaluated or at a minimum include the 1998 models.
I own a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. The wiper motor on this vehicle is defective. There is a recall (# 03V159000) on the 1997 wiper motors......but not on the 1998 even though the design and wiper motor are the same. During a recent rainstorm my wiper motor become completely unresponsive in mid swipe @ 65 MPH on I 40. I would like to have the recall re-evaluated or at a minimum include the 1998 models. My VIN is [redacted].
Electrical system
The positive battery terminal post broke loose from the battery, spilling battery acid on the brake tubing. Discussed battery failure with GM and they refused to replace battery due to the fact the vehicle was out of warranty.
During summer of 1999, I noticed battery acid residue below battery on lines and wires. Cleaned off with oil. Brakes were mushy. In October, 2000 brakes slowed vehicle but required additional pressure to stop. Noticed additional battery acid build up on lines and wiring. Brakes failed nov. 22, 2000. Added brake fluid. Vehicle would not start on nov. 28, 2000. Positive battery post separated from battery. Spent two hours removing broken-off battery from battery bolt,cables and installing battery. Poured baking soda water on affected area of lines and wires.
1998 GMC Suburban engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Suburban a good car?
Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Suburban rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Suburban at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 GMC Suburban?
The brakes — 29 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (17) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Suburban have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 GMC Suburban, the most recent from March 7, 2003 (exterior). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Suburban?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1995, 1997 and 1996. See the full GMC Suburban years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Suburban problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 92,000 miles; 19% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.